Loud noise/rattle front of engine

[2004XLT]

Today when I was driving I noticed a loud rattle noise coming from the front of the engine, I think it's probably one of the pulley bearings needing to be replaced. I have had a slight rattle for the last month and yesterday it got worse, it sounded more like a metallic popping noise.

Also, the fan is now always on, even when I first start the truck when it's cold, heat off. I'm going to pull the belt off tomorrow and check the pulleys. Could the fan being on all the time be related to a bad pulley bearing? Wondering if I have another issue I need to look into. Thanks

 

[stamp11127]

If the fan is stuck on then the fan clutch is shot.
Doubt that it is the cause of the noise.

 

[2004XLT]

http://youtu.be/YMEC7LsaBMk

Link to the sound. I do think its a pulley bearing but not sure.

Thanks stamp will replace fan clutch also.

 

[stamp11127]

Sounds more like cam phasers to me.

Usual type of noise with a bad bearing, most I've heard have a higher pitch than what is in the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM5YEz9xTps

 

[2004XLT]

My exp is an 04, a 2v engine, and from what I've read it doesn't have cam phasers.

I've had rattle noises for a while which I'm sure are pulleys, the fact that the fan being always on began at the same time this noise started makes me think it's all because of the fan clutch.

 

[2004XLT]

Belt tensioner pulley was shot the bearing was gone and it was grinding against the block. Replaced it and the belt while I was in there and now the sound is completely gone. The fan still is spinning at all times so I'll do the clutch in the next couple days.